Prometheus

Prometheus, by Paul Manship (1934); companion piece to Atlas. Located in New York City, the 18 foot high, 8 ton statue of Prometheus overlooks the sunken plaza of Rockefeller Center.

According to Greek mythology, Prometheus was a Titan who defied the will of Zeus and brought fire to Earth, helping mortals while risking harsh retribution from the authorities. The mountain-like-pedestal at the base of the statue symbolizes the earth, while the circle containing the signs of the zodiac represents the heavens. The red Balmoral granite wall behind the statue has a quotation from Aeschylus: "Prometheus, teacher in every art, brought the fire to earth that hath proven to mortals a means to mighty ends."